Guam-A Different Perspective

Washington DC in February is always a hotbed of activity.  The Nation's Governors are in town.  Lobbyists are busy getting their issues before as many decision makers on the Hill as can be fit into a 24-hour day.  Congressional members are working frantically to complete constituent work ahead of the Easter Break.  Don't forget the occasional mid-term fundraiser or two.  This year though is a bit different.

Sequestration is the focus in our Nation's Capitol and in statehouses all across America including Guam.  Today, President Barack Obama called for Congressional leaders to meet to resolve $85 Billion dollars in across the board cuts to the Federal Governmentexpected to go in effect at 3pm Friday Guam time.  There has been well-publicized plans by the U.S. Senate to reprogram the cuts-but they may not have enough votes to pass.  Realistically, the last minute activity may not result in anything positive. 

The cuts will happen and they will be deep.

For Guam what does it mean?  Government of Guam staffers and Executive Branch Agency Directors are asking their federal counterparts for a breakdown of what to expect over the remainder of this fiscal year.  The information has been slow in coming.  Real slow.  Even Guam Governor Eddie Calvo, who is in Washington DC at the writing of this post is sitting ringside for this battle between the White House and Congress, can't even get the details on the impacts to Guam -a serious, yet predictable, oversight by federal appropriators.  Guam Congresswoman Madeline Bordallo is in the same boat-the senior stateswoman left asking more questions and unable to get back solid details either of the impacts of the mandatory federal cuts to the Insular Areas.  Even Guam Legislative Speaker Judy Won Pat is reportedly trying to rally staffers to get  information that may impact Guam General Fund-funded programs and services into the final two quarters of FY 2013.

Locally, there is plenty of speculation of what may happen in the days and months to come.  COMNAVMAR is saying there will be an impact, but no official word on a detailed process to reduce costs-mainly personnel.  The list of discretionary and mandatory programs impacted by cuts is huge and touches the broadest section of the Guam community.  Federally funded activities from housing to conservation to healthcare on island will not be spared pain from the lack of federal action by Congress.  This is not a good sign for an isolated American economy that was turning a corner with the surge in our number one economic engine-tourism. 

What plays out between the Obama Administration and Senate and House Leaders will be telling.  But I can tell you-this has been coming for years.  With no real budgets passed during the President's first term, did we really believe that Continuing Resolutions would keep America going?  Is this the new normal in the United States?  I think this whole Sequester thing  is more of a lesson in decision making-or lack of it.  Elected leaders were given the mantle of leadership by the electorate. Each elected to do their jobs to run the business of our Great Nation. They have nothing to show for their effort.  In the end, it is the electorate that will ultimately suffer for the inaction of nearly five years.  

We should all be concerned about the actions in Washington DC in the coming days.  We should have been concerned four years ago with the election of the Democrat President and majorities in the House and Senate.  Though the balance of power is somewhat different, Washington DC is still working full steam ahead like nothing is wrong with our economic and social well being.

The Sequestration issue will have long term affects on the delivery of public services from Maine to California and from Puerto Rico to theNorthern Mariana Islands.  Not a single American will be spared.  Each of us relies in some way or form on federal services and the corresponding impact on local government programs that serves our greater community. I say-keep an eye on this matter which could change the way America delivers services to its citizenry including those in Guam.  

Don't worry the rest of the world is watching too, as they will be impacted by America's budget fight and implications that will fall well into the months and years to come.  

Let's hope March is a better month for us all.

Obama State of the Union Described by Steel Producers as "mixed bag"; Steel Imports on the Rise

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reacted to President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address by saying it did lay out some"positive goals", but was short on specifics.  

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice.

The nation's largest trade organization representing steel products was pleased with the recognition of the steel industry in the speech, but was looking for more details from the President on how they and other industries would push the American economy forward. AISI President and CEO Thomas Gibson said President Obama fell short on details to correct America's massive trade imbalance with China-a huge steel exporter, tax reform, and energy independence.

“We are encouraged that some of the President’s proposals will benefit the steel industry, but are also disappointed that he did not lay out concrete plans to achieve the goals," said Gibson.  "We will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to turn the rhetoric into action.”

The President's policy speech comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of Commerce reporting last week that steel imports are up, a strong sign of the market gaining ground this fiscal year.  AISI announced that steel import applicationsfor January totaled 2.6 million net tons (NT)-up eight percent from December2012. 

GET, LLC, through MCR Guam Inc. and MCR, LLP (One of the largest builders of Ceco Building Systems). is able to assist you with your steel construction needs.  Give us a call to discuss further.

Good Advice from the C-Suite at the Virgin Group

In a blog post billionaire CEO Richard Branson was giving some advice on how to run a successful business. 

I had the privilege to meet Mr. Branson four years ago while attending the Western States Inaugural Ball in Washington DC for President Barack Obama.  He was very humble.  Many around him that night were in awe of him.  It was a neat experience and his words of advice hit right at your heart. Case in point with the GET, LLC blog:  

Something he said which  really stood out was that in our technology age people tend to close LESS business. He said that he still believes face to face communication and picking up the telephone are the best ways to get business deals done.

If you're struggling to close prospects or your team isn't duplicating the way you'd like, it's time
to pick up the phone and actually TALK with people. As a leader, you have to help others and show them what to do.

Also, try to make it a point to get to live meetings - this is where you can meet other people in the business.

Make a commitment to do these simple actions and be present in your business. 

Guam-A Different Perspective

I write this as the Nation celebrates a tradition that started with George Washington in 1776.  This time, I am in the comfort of my home where the two previous presidential inaugurations I braved the snow, the long lines at the Metro Stations and the sheer anticipation of seeing the President walk down the stairs of the Capitol to be sworn in-a sign that our democracy has and continues to work.

 I remember the pride of seeing my Governor enter the ceremony with the rest of his colleagues and the glimpse of my congresswoman making her way down the steps to her seat.  I watched today as a college contemporary led the new Congress into the ceremony as the Majority Whip. I swelled with pride knowing my Congresswoman was again part of this time honored ceremony repeated every four years since 1973-it was her fifth inauguration event.

 It is a ceremony that reminds us that we are part of the American family.  It is a ceremony that reminds us we have a responsibility to share such pride in our President, even though we here in America's Western most territory don't even vote for him or don't agree with his polices and politics.  It is a ceremony that brings us closer to Washington DC, though we are five time zones away.  Most of our island was asleep as the latest transition of power is completed. 

The presidential inauguration is a time to reaffirm our commitment to our roles as part of the American society.  Whether standing on the lawn of the National Mall or sitting in front of the TV in Southern Guam, this glimpse into the transition of government should remind of us of how special it is to be American.

"Faith in America's Future" was the theme of the 57th inauguration.  Many local policy makers are taking up the challenge laid out by President Barack Obama in his inaugural address. Most Senators have remarked that they should reach across party lines and do what is best for the people of Guam in the creation of public policy.  While their respective terms are just underway, it remains to be seen if this will be a true and lasting change to Guam politics.  And even if this attitude is embraced, will new jobs be created, will our kids gain more from their educational experience and will our island streets be safer?  When the first Legislative session of the 32nd Guam Legislature begins in the coming weeks lets all hope the posturing results in positive public policy that benefits us all. 

The Administration is also going to be expected to embrace this new political normal in Guam.  Governor Eddie Calvo will be presenting his third State of the Island Address very soon.  His first term agenda still has yet to be completed.  Tax refunds, merit bonuses and the delivery of critical public services have driven his decision making since being sworn in January 2011.  The people will be listening to his speech with much interest and with his plan to move the island forward over the course of the new year-and with the buy in and legislative assistance of the Guam Legislature.  Don't forget the Judiciary with all this as they too will be looking at the other two branches to ensure that they can achieve their aggressive goals this year and retain the checks and balances of the three branches.

Celebrating democracy is such a fantastic thing.  I am using this blog post to celebrate one of the most important part of our democracy-the United States Constitution and specifically the first amendment .  I am proud to be an American and proud to be part of this great melting pot-Paradise Guam.